Preparing for Surgery
One Week Prior
Thank you for choosing to have your procedure or surgery at
Addison Gilbert Hospital, Beverly Hospital, or Lahey Outpatient
Center, Danvers. The information below outlines what you
should and should not do in the weeks and days leading up to your
appointment.
One Week
Prior
DO:
• Do identify a family member or friend to pick you
up from your surgery or procedure and be available with you
for the following 24 hours. You will not be permitted to
drive yourself home. You may not take a taxi home without an
escort to accompany you.
• Do prepare your designated driver to be available to pick
you up within 30 minutes of being notified by staff that you are
ready to go home.
• Do notify your surgeon if you are taking Coumadin
(warfarin). Your surgeon will tell you when to stop taking it
(usually three to five days before surgery).
• Do call your doctor if signs and symptoms of an infection or cold
develop prior to your appointment.
• Do check with your surgeon to determine if any specific
antiseptic showering or bowel preparation will be
required.
• Do check with your surgeon if you feel you need pain
medication.
DO NOT:
• Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing products
one week before surgery. HOWEVER, if you are on aspirin,
Plavix, Aggrenox or any other blood thinner, follow the
instructions provided by your surgeon, neurologist or cardiologist.
If you receive conflicting instructions, please contact your
surgeon's office.
• Do not take herbal supplements, including vitamin E and Fish
Oil, one week before surgery.
• Do not take anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen,
Motrin, Advil, Daypro, Aleve, Naprosyn, naproxen, etc.) for
five days prior to surgery, or as instructed by
your surgeon.
• Do not shave the operative site for 48 hours prior.
• Do not smoke because it inhibits the healing process.
